Single Action vs Pre-War

[Old Doc]

I have a Turnbull Cowboy Classic based on the USFA and would like to get a Premium grade. In choosing between the Single Action and the Pre-War, if I get a Single Action and add a case hardened hammer and black powder frame, I am still $155 short of the price of the Pre-War. Is the difference in the types of bluing and how does the Armory Blue differ in appearance from the Dome Blue?

[Marshal Deadwood]

According to USFA themselves,,the 'blue' on the Single Action is more durable than the 'blue' on the pre-War. The pre-War looks more correct than the 'black' blue of the Single Action, but is less durable.

It's whatever floats a guys boat, but I'd opt for the Single Action with bp frame and case color hammer and the more durable blue.

Now, if I wasn't gonna carry it much,,,and didnt mind spending the extra,,the pre-War IS a handsome looking finished revolver.

MD

[Old Doc]

Can I assume that the Pre-War has a deeper or higher gloss blue. I wonder which is on my Turnbull USAF or whether that is a third finish.

[Marshal Deadwood]

I dont know that it's 'deeper',,but it is more 'blue'..the SIngle Action USFAs have the more ,,,well,,,actually is IS,,,Black/Blue. I think they really both look good,,the black/blue is suppose to be more durable,,but lacks the blueish undertone of the pre-War.

But the pre-War would stand up good for me,,cause that sure wouldnt be no 'everyday carry' gun if'n I had one,,,,,,I'd baby that thing like it was a gift from the Angels.

MD

[Appalachian Ed]

USFA sends the Pre-Wars to Doug to have them blued. They do not do the Pre-wars in house. The Turnbull finish is the same as the Pre-war.


-Ed

[Old Doc]

USFA sends the Pre-Wars to Doug to have them blued. They do not do the Pre-wars in house. The Turnbull finish is the same as the Pre-war.


-Ed

Thanks, Ed. Ill go back and look at my Turnbull. I thought perhaps the Pre-War was similar to the Royal Blue Colt used to do on the Pythons but doesn't sound like it.

[Virginia Gentleman]

Truth be told the carbonia "Armory" blue that is used in the pre-war should be more durable than the Dome Blue which is modern hot salts blue by a small margin.  It comes down to personal choice and whether or not you want to spend the extra $ on the Armory blue.  Both are done better than anyone else on the market making SAAs.